A man facing a murder charge over the death of a father of one from Middlesbrough has been released with no further action.

Andrew Hopkins, 28, was found with stab wounds at an address in the town's Marton Road on 6 October.

William Tomlin, 42, of Marton Road, was charged with murder the next day.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said after "careful consideration" there was no evidence to disprove his claim he had acted in self-defence.

Mr Hopkins, the father of a 10-year-old daughter, died shortly after being taken to James Cook University Hospital.

Mr Tomlin, who had been remanded in custody, had made two appearances in court.

A spokesman for the CPS said: "At a hearing on 19 November at Teesside Crown Court, the murder charge against William Tomlin was discussed.

"After careful consideration, and a full review of the available evidence by the CPS, it had become apparent that there was no evidence that could disprove Mr Tomlin's claim of self-defence in relation to the death of Andrew Hopkins.

"Consequently, the Crown took the decision to offer no further evidence in this case."

After his death Mr Hopkins' family described him as the "life and soul of the party".

A statement added: "He loved life and was happiest being on a bike ride with his daughter."